Scientific Process Skills

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Scientific Process Skills

• Ms. Tipple 7th 8th grade Science

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Observing

• Refers to use of 5 senses to gather data about
  objects events

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Classifying

• Involves grouping objects or events according to
  similar characteristics (e.g., shape, color, size)

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Communicating

• Involves use of spoken written words, graphs,
  drawings diagrams to share information ideas

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Using Space/Time Relationships

• Involves developing an awareness of phenomena
  events outside of ones immediate environment
  (e.g., which soap has longest lasting bubble,
  which molecules are farther apart)

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Measuring

• Scientists gather share data about the world by
  using common standards of measurement (e.g.,
  length, mass, volume, time).

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Using Numbers

• Quantification is the essence of science, the
  ability to describe the world numerically is
  basic to all scientific endeavors

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Formulating Hypotheses

• Scientific explanation that can be tested is a
  key skill in the scientific method

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Inferring

• Logical thought process to show a relationship
  between two or more observations

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Predicting

• Forecasting future events based on observations
  inferences

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Defining Operationally

• An operational definition is a definition framed
  in terms of experiences. For example, defining
  an acid as any substance that turns blue litmus
  red is an operational definition.

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Experimenting

• Combines all of the process skills used in
  conducting a scientific investigation

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Forming Models

• A model is a verbal structure of graphic
  representation of the physical world. Scientists
  develop models as a way of describing the world,
  then test refine those models as more
  information becomes available

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Controlling Variables

• In a science experiment, two conditions, alike in
  every way but one, are compared to determine the
  influence of the one missing element

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Interpreting Data

• Involves the analysis synthesis of data to
  support or refute a hypothesis

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Independent variable

• Something that the scientist changes
• Ask yourself What is changing?

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Dependent Variable

• What is being measured?

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control

• What is staying the same?